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UpInArms

(51,252 posts)
1. Am watching Iowa from 14 miles south of it ...
Fri Dec 4, 2020, 09:21 AM
Dec 2020

and, it is terrifying

An end to the pandemic is in sight: The United States is mere weeks away from being able to vaccinate health-care workers and vulnerable members of the public. It would be helpful if, when it’s time to distribute those vaccines, local hospitals were not on the verge of collapse. But right now, Iowa is on a disastrous path. Experts expect to see a spike in COVID-19 cases in the state roughly one week from now, two weeks after the Thanksgiving holiday. That spike will likely precede a surge in hospitalizations and, eventually, a wave of new deaths—maybe as many as 80 a day, Perencevich, the infectious-disease doctor, estimates. Add Christmas and New Year’s to the mix, and Iowans can expect to see nothing less than a tsunami, Perencevich says.

appleannie1

(5,044 posts)
3. Unfortunately that is a common thing in Covid Units across our country.
Fri Dec 4, 2020, 10:35 AM
Dec 2020

I some areas it is being done 2, 3, 4 times a day. And occasionally the person in the bed is a co-worker of the nurse holding their hand.

Collimator

(1,639 posts)
4. Just have to say, nurses are awesome.
Fri Dec 4, 2020, 10:53 AM
Dec 2020

No disrespect to doctors and paramedics and other health care professionals. But what nurses do and give is inspiring.

They bring the humanity to health care. There are some brilliant doctors who could have been brilliant engineers or mechanics--the human body simply intrigued them more.

But nurses--they humble me and move me with their purpose in life.

BobTheSubgenius

(11,535 posts)
7. I only ever had one complaint with a nurse, and while her attitude didn't help AT ALL,
Fri Dec 4, 2020, 11:38 AM
Dec 2020

it was more a lack of specific training. She didn't how to help someone to their feet who is recovering from a bifurcated sternum. Spoiler Alert: It shouldn't involve giant wedgie.

Other than that, they were amazing. Nothing was too picayune a task. I could have eventually got to my feet and tottered to a tap to get water, but managing my IV trolley and carrying a glass made it really difficult and more than a little disconcerting.

They would bring me ice water.

Someone opened the window and it was a bit chilly for that.

The nurse not only closed the window but brought me a lovely, soft blanket. A HEATED blanket.

Finding the right meds, and dosages are often as much science as art.

They would either adjust, or if that wasn't within their purview, they would take the situation to a doctor, who would come and talk to me, or just represcribe.

Nothing was too much trouble, and while I tried not to add to their burden, they were unfailingly cheerful and kind. One of them told me I was the most cooperative patient she had ever had, and I said "You're trying to save my life. I think it behooves me to help if I can."

That is, sometimes unfortunately, the very best you can do in return. Nurses are angels. Be cooperative and don't bitch about things they didn't create or can't control.

Aristus

(66,095 posts)
8. One of the many things that piss me off about these "freedom and personal responsibility" types,
Fri Dec 4, 2020, 12:11 PM
Dec 2020

is that if there was no government response to the pandemic, at either the state or Federal level, none whatsoever, these very same people would be screeching: "Why is nobody doing anything? What are we paying these people in Des Moines and Washington for? Why don't they do their jobs!?!?"

But precisely because certain responsible elected officials are trying to stem the spread of the virus, the reflexive government haters are storming state houses with guns, coughing in peoples' faces, screaming and spewing about their fucking freedoms, etc...

I fucking hate these people.

With the heat of a thousand white-hot suns...

Response to mahatmakanejeeves (Original post)

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